Texas Workers’ Comp Division to Host Workplace Health/Safety Conference

As part of its mission to help employers and employees maintain safe workplaces and prevent occupational injuries and illnesses, the Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workers’ Compensation will host the 10th Annual Health and Safety Conference, the Texas Safety Summit, on May 17-18 in Austin at the Doubletree Hotel Austin, 6505 IH-35 North.

The Texas Safety Summit is a learning opportunity for all segments of the Texas workforce and is open to all employers, whether or not they subscribe to workers’ compensation insurance. The registration fee for the conference is $250 per person by April 19, and $275 per person on or after April 20. Discounted rates are available for groups or employers that send five or more participants.

Over 20 breakout sessions were selected by industry peers and are designed to address pertinent issues facing Texas employers, including:

–How to Pass a DOT Audit;
–Liability of an Owner or General Contractor for Injuries to Other Company’s Employees;
–Rigging Gear Safety;
–Emergency Showers and Eyewashes;
–Development of a Successful Motor Carrier Fleet Safety Program;
–Leveraging the Compliance Audit as a Tool for Organizational Learning;
–Desktop Disaster Incident Drill;
–AED Lite;
–To Go or Not to Go: Shelter in Place vs. Evacuation of Employees;
–Accident Investigation: Looking Beyond the Obvious;
–Drive to Arrive Alive; and
–Disease Transmission and Infection Control in the Workplace.

General sessions include: Katrina and Rita: Dealing with Double Disasters; Homeland Security in Texas; Preparing for Various Weather Problems; and an update on House Bill 7 and its effects on the workers’ compensation system.

Continuing education credits will be provided by Texas State Technical College in Waco. Attendees will be eligible to receive .1 hours CEU per hour of attendance.

For additional conference information visit the TDI Web site at www.tdi.state.tx.us/wc/services/employers.html under “Annual Health and Safety Conference” or call the Safety Education and Training section at (512) 804-4610.